Badges associated with patriotism and World War I began to appear from the beginning of the global conflict across the warring states of the Central Powers and the Triple Entente. Authorities and military commands were well aware of the psychological significance of similar patriotic activities and did not discourage them – all the more so when they recognised not only the propaganda potential of patriotic badges but also their potential economic benefit to the war economy. Badges with patriotic themes quickly became a commodity, the sale of which raised additional funds for the needs of the state. Organisations and associations providing care for the wounded, sick and disabled also began to sell badges for the same purpose.